Over the last few days we saw the official announcement of the IBF Super Featherweight title bout, between Tajik challenger Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov (15-0, 12) [Шавкатджон Рахимов] and current champion Joseph "Jojo" Diaz (31-1, 15).
The bout, which will be shown on DAZN, will take place on February 13th on a Golden Boy Promotions card Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California.
The bout will serve as Diaz's first defense, since his excellent title win in 2019 against Tevin Farmer. The American was originally expected to rematch Farmer, but as no deal was reached between the two parties in time the IBF ordered their mandatory defense.
For the Russian based Tajik challenger this is a massive step up in class for Rakhimov, who will be making his US debut. Despite being the under-dog he will be regarded as a very live under-dog, with his power, pressure and strength.
Given the way the two men fight this is likely to be an all out war, with the two fighters holding their ground and delivering action. In fact it's likely to be much, much better than rematch between Diaz and Farmer, especially given how one-sided their first bout was, despite some god awful judging making it seem like a competitive contest.
Amazingly Golden Boy have lined this bout up as part of a brilliant double header, which will also feature a WBO Light Middleweight title bout between once beaten Brazilian world champion Patrick Teixeira (31-1, 22) and unbeaten Argentinian challenger Brian Carlos Castano (16-0-1, 12).
